legerdemain

noun

ˌle-jər-də-ˈmān How to pronounce legerdemain (audio)
Definition of legerdemainnext
1
as in magic
the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment the illusionist's show is an entertaining blend of legerdemain and over-the-top showmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in deception
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end the reduction of the deficit is due in part to financial legerdemain that masks the true costs of running the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of legerdemain But through a combination of legal legerdemain and a lame-duck power grab in Sacramento, the Democratic maps went into place anyway. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2026 Unlike the overheated adjectives that preceded it, this bit of legerdemain is a proper noun. — Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026 There is something more profound going on than constitutional legerdemain. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026 Between April 1 and 7, the fair gathered 60 brands at the Palexpo exhibition center that broke new records, showcased world premieres and offered an ever-growing array of technical and artistic legerdemain in their latest high-end timepieces. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legerdemain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legerdemain
  1. magic
  2. deception
  3. trickery
  4. subterfuge
  5. chicanery
  6. treachery
  7. deceptiveness
  8. skulduggery
Noun
  • Caribenya’s magic, and Pimienta’s real achievement, is a record that beautifully slips through your fingers.
    — Maria Nenet Barrios, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • The fourth star and a fairytale send off for Lionel Messi earned through lots of grit, fighting spirit and a bit of magic evaporated into the East Rutherford, New Jersey, air.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • Yes, a bit of deception has long been standard in listing photos — a wide lens, a bit of color saturation to make a viewless window appear brighter — but the tools today are more sophisticated, cheaper, and pretty ubiquitous.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 21 July 2026
  • Nolan reinvents him as a naive young soldier left outside the horse to sell Odysseus’ deception.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro have stretched defenses from the flanks, while Lamine Yamal has confused them with his trickery.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
  • Still, if any one of them did start — plus rotational options of Desire Doue or Cherki — then England’s defence will need to stay on high alert for runs in behind and trickery in wide areas.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of trickery
Noun
  • The majority sees this as subterfuge.
    — Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • The Blacks’ defeat would be certain if not for dragons and subterfuge.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • But both parties increasingly justify the chicanery, because the stakes of winning elections and keeping power are simply too high.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026
  • There’s a tremendous amount of financial chicanery that goes on in 2026.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
  • This is not treachery but the truest and noblest affection.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of treachery
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Few would begrudge Paraguay this recognition, but the skullduggery did produce eye-rolls and requires stronger officiating.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • For this skullduggery-stopping potential, the city paid $67,548, which is in the rough ballpark as what your average cop probably makes annually.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 17 June 2026
Definition of skulduggery

Browse Nearby Words

legends
legerdemain
legged (it)
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Cite this Entry

“Legerdemain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legerdemain. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legerdemain

Nglish: Translation of legerdemain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legerdemain

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